Newmarket: York Region Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hanif Kassam, advises that another mosquito pool in York Region has been tested and is reported as positive for West Nile virus (WNv) through the Microbiology Laboratory of Brock University's West Nile virus Investigative Unit.

The mosquitoes were trapped in the Town of Markham, close to the intersection of Bayview Avenue and John Street. The positive mosquito pool is the fifth this year in York Region and the 2^nd in Markham. The Region's first human case this year was reported in a Markham resident August 20th. There were 14 positive mosquito pools reported last year in York Region.

Trapping mosquitoes is part of the 2003 York Region WNv control plan. Traps are set up at various locations throughout the Region, with mosquitoes sent for testing. This latest pool of positive mosquitoes was trapped September 18, 2003.

"Finding this positive mosquito pool in the fall is not unexpected," said Dr. Kassam. "York Region Health Services will continue to monitor mosquito traps until the first frost when mosquito activity will lessen dramatically."

Residents should continue to take the necessary precautions and protective measures. These include the following:

• Wear protective clothing such as long sleeved shirts, full-length trousers, socks, light coloured clothing and high boots
• Consider using an insect repellent containing DEET, as directed
• Minimize outdoor activities where and when mosquitoes are most active such as dusk, night and dawn
• Make sure screens on your home are tight-fitting and in good repair
• Mosquitoes breed in still water. Eliminate standing water around your property which may gather in pool covers, flower pots, children’s pools, old tires and birdbaths

For more information on West Nile virus or any health-related concern, contact York Region Health Services Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or visit www.region.york.on.ca.

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Contact: Patrick Casey, Acting Director, York Region

(905) 830-4444 or (416) 297-9696, ext. 1235 or (905) 715-8211 (Cell)

Email: patrick.casey@region.york.on.ca

The Regional Municipality of York is committed to providing cost-effective, quality services that respond to the needs of our rapidly growing communities.  York Region is comprised of the following nine area municipalities:  Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan and Whitchurch-Stouffville.  For more information, visit our Web site at:  www.region.york.on.ca